Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: May 24, 2012
• Invested on: November 23, 2012

Carolyn Acker has worked tirelessly to break the cycle of poverty in Canada. A nurse by profession, she championed social programs for disadvantaged and homeless individuals as the former executive director of the Regent Park Community Health Centre. She is also the founder of Pathways to Education, a program that provides financial assistance, tutoring, advocacy and mentorship to youth living in poverty. Her groundbreaking work has resulted in decreased drop-out rates, increased post-secondary studies and the replication of the program across the country.